Clutch



Jan. 17, 1939. s` oQsTAGEBERG CLUTCH Filed Nov. 12, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 3mm/tom Jan.A 17, 1939. s. o. STAGEBERG CLUTCH Filed Nov. l2, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sievln C). Stagebel/g Jan. 17, 1939. s O, STAGEBERG 2,144,089

CLUTCH Filed NOV. l2, 1954 4 SheeiS-Sheet `11 Sme/Wto@ Patented Jan. 17, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENTv OFFICE cLU'rcn Applicationnovember 12, 1934, seal No. 752,585

25 Claims.

Another object of the invention resides in providing a clutch in which engagement of the parts is procured gradually and entirely automatically.

An object of the invention resides in providing a clutch in which free wheeling may be prol5 cured by the use ofA fluid-operated means and without mechanical transmission mechanism.

A still further object of the invention resides in providing a clutch in which motor braking may be instantly procured regardless o f the speed.v

of the engine or vehicle or the disposition of the clutch parts. 1 l

A feature of the invention' resides in providing a clutch in which the driven member becomes quickly disengaged' from the driving member when the occasion arises.

A still further object .of the invention resides in providing a clutch in which disengagement of the driven member from the driving member may be accomplished through the operation of a pedal or other manually controlled movable member.

A feature of the invention-resides in providing auxiliary clutch mechanism adapted to be used when starting the engine without the use oi'- the starting motor. l A,

Other objects ofthe invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter i1- lustrated and/or described.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of an internal combustion engine showing the application of my invention thereto.

Fig. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the transmission mechanism `-shown in Fig. 1 and drawn to a. larger scale, said view illustrating the parts in normal driving position.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing the Figs. 7 and 8 are cross sectional views similar to Fig.` 6 and showingthe parts in altered position.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross. sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Fig.2v and drawn to a 5 larger scale. Y

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the parts of the rotor driving member and sleeve of the invention.

Fig. 11 is a" longitudinal detail sectional view 10 taken on line II-Ii of Fig. 10.

Forthe purpose of illustrating the application of my invention, I have shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 an internal combustion engine which is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral I0. In- 15 asmuch as the invention concerns itself only with the clutch by means of which said engine may be connected to the driven shaft the major portion of the 'engine has not been shown in detail. The part of the engine mown includes a cylinder 20 block I which has attached'to it a cylinder head I2. The lower portion of the cylinder block II' is provided with a crank case I3. On the crank -case I3 and the cylinder block Il are formed iianges I4 which have bolted to them a ily wheel 25' housing I5. The engine includes an intake manifold I6 provided with fuel mixture by a carbureter I1,.an exhaust manifoidIU and a fan I! driven through a belt 2l from a pulley- 22 secured to the forwardly protruding end 23 oi' the crank shaft 30 24. The engine III further includes-all the'other necessary parts such as cylinders, pistons, con necting rods andthe usual ignition system bymeans ot which the engine may be operated in thecustomary manner. vInasmuch as theseparts 35 o! the engine do not form any particular feature of the invention, the same have not been illustrated or described. I

'The crank. shaft 24 is journaled in a bearing 25 in the engine as well as in other 'bearings not 40 shown, and is constructed at its rear end with an outwardlyv extending ange 25. To this flange issecured the web 21 of a ily wheel 28 which ls boltedthereto by means of bolts 29. Fly wheel 28 is contained'within the housing I5 and may be 45 provided with a gear 3| by means of which the engine is started in the customary manner. The housing I5 has attached to it a transmission housing 32 which is constructed with a division wall 33 dividing the said housing into a compart- 50 ment 34 for the reception of suitable gear transmission 35 and another compartment 36 in which the clutch constituting my invention is disposed. The housing 32 is open at the forward end thereof and is so designed to permit of the insertion of the same over the clutch mechanism, and is constructed with a ange 31 which is seated against a corresponding ange 38 formed on the ily wheel housing I5. These two parts are bolted together through bolts 39 and when it becomes desirable to gain access to the clutch, the housing 32 is removed by unscrewing the said bolts. The portion of the housing 32 forming the compartment 34 is open at the top and is closed through a cover 4| by means of which access to the interior of the said housing may be had. This cover is attachedto the housing by bolts 42. The transmission 35 includes a propeller shaft 44 which constitutes the member driven by the clutch. The shaft 24 of the engine. I0, as will be presently more fully described, constitutes the member for driving the clutch. Shaft 44 is connected to a. universal joint and thereby connected through other transmission mechanism, not shown. to the rear driving wheels of the motor vehicle on which the engine is installed. The shaft 44 is journaled in a. bearing 45 formed in the housing 32 as shown in Fig. 1 and is driven through the transmission gearing 35 from another shaft 43 which is journaled in a bearing 46 mounted in the division wall 33 of the housing 32. The shaft 43 extends throughout the compartment 36 and is constructed at its extreme forward end with a reduced portion 41. 'I'his reduced portion is journaled in a. bearing 48 mounted in a. socket 49 in the end of the crank shaft 24. This bearing serves as a pilot bearing for maintaining the crank shaft 24 and the driven shaft 43 in alignment.

The clutch proper consists of a case 50 which is xed relative .to the shaft 43. Within this case is mounted a rotor 5| which rotor is rotated through a member 52. Driving member 52 is in turn driven from a sleeve 53 which is connected to the fly wheel 26. These various parts will now be described in detail.

'I'he shaft 43 is formed at its forward end with a spline 54.- A tubular shaft 55 encircles the shaft 43 and is itself constructed'with splines 56 section. The bore 53 is constructed with three .recesses 6|, 62 and 63 which in conjunction with the rotor 5| form chambers in which expansion and compression ofthe uid occurs. The bore 58 is so constructed that all diameters of the same are equal which serves a function which will `presently become readily apparent. The barrel 58 has attached to it two end bells 64 and 65. This is' accomplished by means of a number of bolts 66 which pass longitudinally through the said barrel and end `bells and which have nuts 61 screwed uponthe. ends thereof. The end bell 64 is secured to an outwardly extending flange 68 formed on the tubular shaft 55 which is ac'- complished through machine screws 69 passing through said flange and threaded into said end bell. By means of this construction the case 56 is centered atits rear end relative to the shaft 43 and is directly secured to the tubular shaft 55. Due to the fact that the`shaft 5 is splined to theshaft 43 it will become readily apparent that the entire case 50 may be Aslid longitudinally along the shaft 43 for a purpose to be presently more fully described.

The sleeve 53 encircles the forward end of the tubular shaft 55 and is of such dimensions as to be completely free fromthe same. This sleeve is constructed with an outwardly extending flange 1| which is bolted to the ily wheel 21 through the bolts 28 used for securing the ily wheel to the crank shaft 24. The sleeve 53 is constructed with two longitudinally extending slots 12 which serve to drive the driving member 52 as will be presently described. in detail. These slots open at the rearward end of the sleeve and extend partly along the length thereof, being diametrically opposed.

The driving member 52 consists of a tubular portion 13 which receives the sleeve 53, said driving member tting snugly upon the sleeve. This driving member is constructed with two inwardly extending keys 14 which are adapted to engage within the slots 12 and afford a drive between the sleeve 53 and said driving member. This construction permits of sliding movement of the said driving member with respect to the sleeve 53.

'I'he rotor 5| is cylindrical in form as shown in Fig. and is recessed at diametrically opposed localities in the periphery thereof to provide two diametrically opposed pockets and 16. The inner portion of the rotor is constructed with a bore 11 which receives the tubular portion 13 of the driving member 5,2. These parts t snugly together. In the interior of the rotor 5| are formed two longitudinally extending grooves 18 which are adapted to receive two keys 19 formed on the tubular portion 13 of the driving member 52 and extending outwardly therefrom and longitudinally with respect thereto. These grooves have considerably greater circumferential extent than the thickness of the keys 19 so that the driving member 52 may rotate a predetermined amount with respect to the rotor 5|. The rearward end of the body of the rotor 5| between the two pockets 15 and 16 ls' cut away as indicated at 82 to bring the two pockets 15 and' 16 into communlcation with one` another. 'Ihe rotor 5| is supported at one end'v upon the tubular portion 13' of driving'member 52 which in turn is supported upon the sleeve-'53. The other end of the rotor 5| has attached to it a'bear'ing 83v which is constructed with a flange 84 butting against an inwardly directed flange -8I` formed on said rotor. This bearing receives the tubular shaft 55 and journals the rotor `with respect to said, shaft. The driving" member 52 is considerably shorter in length than the rotor 5| and to hold the same from longitudinal movement in one direction the outwardly turned flange 84 formed on bearing 83 is used which engages the rearward end of the tubular portion 13 of said driving member. Bearing-83 is pressed into the bore 11 of the rotor 5| and is supported at its rearward end as will be presently described.

Within the two pockets 15 and 16 of rotor 5| are disposed two gates 85 and 86. These gates are arcuate as shown and are pivoted on spindles 88 which pass completely through the same. The spindles 88 are constructed at their ends with reduced portions 89 which are received in end plates 9| and 92, one of which is shown in Fig. l0, and which are attached to the rotor 5|. The gates85 and 86 are further constructed with arcuate ends 98 and 39 which are concentric with the centers of the spindles 88. These ends ride against arcuate surfaces |0| and |02 formed in the rotor 5| and forming part of the walls of the said pockets and 16. In the outer surfaces of the gates 85 and 86 are inserted wear resisting shoes |03 which are adapted to contact with the inner surfaces of the bore 59 of Abarrel 58 or to be moved radially inwardly therefrom aswill be later more fully described.. By means of this construction two chambers |04 and |05 are formed opposite pocket 15 and two chambers |06 and |01 are formed opposite pocket 16. The four chambers |04, |05 and |06, |01 are adapted to successively communicate with the lobes 6|, 62 and 63 of the bore 59 of barrel 58 and form in conjunction therewith the expansible chambers of the clutch in which expansion and compression of the huid takes place. When the engine is driving the vehicle, chambers |05 and |01 constitute high pressure chambers and chambers |04 and |06 constitute low pressure chambers. When relative movement of the parts is reversed, the high pressure chambers and low pressure chambers are also reversed. The two pockets 15 and 16 are at all times in communication with one another through the cut away construction of the rotor designated by the reference numeral 82.

The end plates 9| and 92.t up against the' ends of the rotor 5| and are secured thereto through a number of machine screws 93 which pass through holes .|94 in said end plates and are screwed into threaded openings 94 in the end of the rotor. The end plate.9| is constructed with a bore 95 which receives the end of the bearing 83 and centers and supports the rearward end of the same. The rotor 5| fits snugly within the bore 59 of case 50, the end plates 9| and 92 traveling in close proximity to the end bells 64 and 65. To prevent wear on these parts a facing 90 is set into the end bell 64 and against which the end plate 9| abuts. A similar facing 96 is set into the end bell 65 and serves a like purpose. This facing,vhow ever, has attached to it a bushing 91 which forms a bearing for journalling the forward end ofthe case on the sleeve 53.

The rotor 5| is driven from the crank-shaft 24 through the agency of the sleeve 53 and the driving member 52. Normally the gates and 86 are held out of engagement with the bore 59 through two compression coil springs |08 which are seated against the said gates and rotor proper as best shown in Fig. 9. In such positions cham- .bers |04 and |05 are in communication and merge with one another and likewise chambers |06 and |01. This being the case no pressure is created in any of these chambers. When the engine is accelerated centrifugal force throws the gates radially outwardly swinging the same upon the spindles 88. This brings the shoes |03 into engal force alone is relied on at this stage to maintain contact between the shoes and the case, at first most of the iiuid leaks past the shoes from the chamberl |05 to the chamber |04 and from the chamber |01 to the chamber |06. `In the rotor 5| are provided holes ||2, Fig. 9, which bring the chambers |05 and |01 into communication with the pockets 15 and 16. `When the pressure builds up in these pockets a force is exerted upon the inner surface of the shoes 85 and 86. As such pressure is increased leakage past the shoes |03 is reduced. Reducing the leakage causes the further building up of pressure and increasing `presv `sure causes less leakage.

pressure gradually builds up and the leakage In this manner the gradually decreases. As the leakage decreases the relative travel of the rotor 5| with respect to As previously stated, all diamment of gates 85 and 86 in following the irregular surface of bore 59. It will hence belreadily comprehended that gradual engagement of the clutch is procured which gives uniformacceleration to the vehicle driven by the engine. For controlling the rate of engagement adjusting screws ||3 are employed which are partly screwed into the passageways ||2 and serve to constrict the flow of uid through the same. Ihe position of the parts in normal operation is shown in Fig. 2.

In order to cause the device to free wheel it becomes necessary that the chamber |05 be rapidly brought into communication with pocket 15 and likewise chamber |01-brought into communication with pocket 16. This is accomplished through the action of the driving member 52 which also operates in conjunction with the rotor 5| to form a valve mechanism for controlling the ow of the fluid as described.

The particular construction by means of which this result is accomplished is best shown in Figs. 6, '1 and 8. In the rotor 5| in advance of the shoes |03 are formed two passageways ||5 and ||6 which bring the chambers |05 and |01 into communication with the chamber formed by the bore 11 of rotor 5|. These two passageways are adapted to communicate with ports ||1 and ||8 formed in the tubular portion 13 of the driving member 52, also illustrated in Fig. 10. The rotor 5| further has two other passageways ||9 and |20 which bring the pockets 15 and 16 into communicat ion with the chamber formed by the bore 11. of said rotor. These passageways also are adapted to communicate with the ports ||1 and ||8. When the engine is driving the vehicle the same is accomplished through the driving member 52 and the two keys 19 which at such time occupy the positions shown in Fig. 8. It will be noted that the passageways ||5, ||6, 9 and |20 are out of communication with the ports ||1 and I8, when the parts are arranged in this position. As soon as the footis raised from the accelerator pedal `the engine slows down and a reversal of relative movement between the rotor and case occurs y which moves the parts to the position shown in Fig. 7. Reversal of movement of the rotor with respect to the case causes the chamber |04 to become a pressure chamber and the chamber |05 to become a suction chamber. The pressure built up in the pocket 15 hence is released through the passageway |(|9, port ||1 and passageway l5 back to the suction chamber |05. Likewise the pressure in pocket 16 is released through the passageway |20, port ||8 and passageway 6. This .permits the two springs |06 to urge the gates 85 and 86 away from the bore 59 of the barrel 58 and the gates collapse, whereupon the clutch becomes Ieleased. This continues so long as the engine is idling and the centrifugal force acting upon the two gates 85 and 86 is not suloient to throw the gates outwardly into positive engagement with the bore of the case. After the pressure inthe two pockets and 'i6 has been released the driving member 52 travels until it occupies the position shown in Fig. 6, in which position communication between the said pockets and the :chambers i05 and |01 is again closed oi. In suchpositlon the parts may free wheel. While free Wheeling the gates may be in proximity to the surface of the case or retracted therefrom, depending upon the speed of the vehicle. Only when the parts carryf ing the gates ceases to rotate will the gates become fully retracted. Fig. 6 shows the parts while centrifugal force is suilicient to move the gates outwardly. Since reversal of pressure now results, the pressure chambers itt and ma break the seal between the juxtaposed chambers so that free wheeling may occur regardless of the speed of the vehicle.

In order to time the releasing action of the clutch, the pump action aiorded through the two keys I9 operating in the two groovesv 'lil is utilized. Adjustable leakage passageways 22 and i223 are formed in these keys which are controlled through adjusting screws EN. IThis construction provides constricted passageways which serve to time the movement of the parts and to cause the proper functioning of the mechanism in the releasing of the clutch.

'Inr order to procure pedal disengagement of the clutch and motor braking the entire case 5@ is slidable relative to the shaft ttl and certain ports are provided in the sleeve 53, the driving member 52 and the rotor 5l which will be subsequently described and which accomplishes thedesired result when sumcient sliding action takes place. IIhe case 5t is adapted to be moved through the action of a forked arm S which is secured to a shaft lZ. Shaft l2@ is journaled in suitable bearings i2l formed in the housing 32 `and has attached to it a pedal it@ by meansof which the same may be operated. 'Ihe forked arm l25 is formed at its end with ngers H29 which are adapted to engage a collar ist en vcircling the bushing 5l'. An end thrust ball bear= ing l32 mounted on this bushing and. acting between a flange E33 thereon and said collar takes up the end thrust afforded in the movement of the case 5D along the shaft til. Case 5@ is re-s turned to normal position by means of coil springs i60 which are set into the ends of the keys "l of driving member 52 and which engage the ends of the slots l2 of sleeve 53.

In order to start the engine through movement of the wheels of the vehicle a friction clutchr is employed which is best shown in Figs. 2 and 3. A dished plate 9341s secured to the end bell $5 of case 50 through the bolts 66 used for'holding said parts together. This plate has a friction facing I35 attached to it which is adapted to friotionally engage a similar friction facing i3@ secured to the ily wheel 28. When the case is in the position shown in Fig. 2 the facings |35 and E3@ are free from one another. When, however, the case is moved forwardly as shown in Fig. 3, the two facings engage one another and a mechanical friction drive is edected between the ily wheel and the propeller shaft 44 of the motor vehicle.

Pedal disengagement of the clutch as previously stated is accomplished through movement of the case 50 toward the ily wheel 28. When suflicient movement has been procured two grooves I3? on arenoso the sleeve 53 best shown in Figs. 5 and 10 are brought into engagement with two ports M5 and openings its and it@ in the tubular portion t3 of n driving member 52,' whereby the two chambers formed by the grooves l@ are brought into communication with the pockets 'l5 and I6. Two other passageways All and it! lead` from said grooves to the chambers lll@ and iii previously referred to. 'When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 5, which is just before the friction facings H35 and is@ come in contact, flow of huid from the pocket l5 occurs through passageway illl, port M5, groove t3?, passageway lh, groove 'it and passageway di to the chamber itil. This releases the pressure in the pocket l5. In a similar manner the pressure in 'the pocket 'E6 is released and the two springs Hi8 cause the shoe t5 and it to collapse. Y

Motor braking may also be accomplished .with my invention. If the pedal l2@ 'is depressed to procure pedal disengagement and the engine speeded up, the shoes 35 and 86 are thrown out,- wardly through centrifugal force. Movement of the rotor and the case is in the same direction, but the rate of travel of the case being greater than that of the rotor, the relative movement of the rotor with respect to the case is now in the opposite direction and the pump action of the clutch is exactly opposite of what it was in the previous arrangement of the parts. Pressure is now built up in chambers tilt and N6. The fluid in the chamber it@ is transmitted throughipassageway di, groove It, hole 533, groove i3?,Y portl and hole EGI into pocket I5. This increases the pressure in said pocket and forces the gate 35 outwardly. A small amount of oil leaks through to the other side through the leakage holes HZ as previously described, which determines the rate of engagement of the clutch. When suicient pressure has been built up the two elements of the clutch become locked and braking through the engine is procured.

Oil "is fed into clutch from the crank case of the engine. This is accomplished as follows: A duct lo@ (Fig. 3) in the crank shaft 24 of the engine is in communication with the oil in the crank case is. This duct leads into socket t9 from which the oil may now through the bearing 4@ and into the space l5l, between the tubular shaft 55 and the sleeve 53. AThe keys .74 on driving member 52 are spaced from the walls of slots l2 in proximity to the openings 'U38 and i3@ so that the oil passes freely into the bore of member 52 through the spaces afforded thereby. By means of the openings E38 and E39 the oil is conducted into grooves l and from said grooves into chambers Wd and E05 through passageways 4I and IM. As the clutchoperates oil is fed into the suction chamber and passes through the clutch as previously described. A check valve |56 in the passageway l5@ prevents return of oil to the crank. case i3.

My invention is operated in the following man\ engine.

. without causing the vehicle to move.

lport H2.

ner: When the motor vehicle is stationary and the engine is idling, gates 85 and 86 are free from the case 50 and the rotor travels freely within said case. The transmission may then be shifted into low gear without pedal manipulation of the clutch. When the speed of the engine is accelerated through the foot pedal usually provided for the purpose, the shoes 85 and 86 are thrown outorder to throw out the clutch it is merely necessary to reduce the speed of the engine by removing the foot from the accelerator pedal and instantly the clutch gates 85 and 86 collapse and the engine becomes disconnected from the driving wheels. This permits of free wheeling but goes farther than free `wheeling since the-vehicle can come to a complete standstill. With my invention while in free wheeling, it is not necessary to throw out the clutch manually when the vehicle speed drops below that produced by the engine when running at idling speed. Whenit is desired to positively disengage the clutch for the purpose of starting the vehicle, the same is disengaged through partial depression of the pedal provided and the vehicle is then free from the The engine may then be cranked through the starter and may be raced or speeded up if found necessary in the starting of the s'ame In the case of a run down battery where the user desires to crank his car through .being pushed by another car it is merely necessary to force the pedal clear in until the auxiliary clutch engages. The enl gine would then be cranked in the customary manner. When the driver desires to procure motor braking it is merely necessary to press the pedal and accelerate the motor, whereupon the clutch action reverses and braking is effected. If at any time the clutch has been set for motor braking the operator desires-to coast, it is merely necessary to release the pressure on the foot pedal. The oil in the chambers and 16 then leaks back to the chamber |85 through leakage With the parts so disposed the driver may again procure clutching for propulsion by speeding up the engine as previously described.

My invention ls highly effective in that it provides a clutch by means of which the starting of a vehicle from rest may be accomplished through the manipulation of a single lever, namely, the accelerator pedal. With my invention free wheeling can be instantly and positively procured without wear on any.v mechanical parts. In operating my invention it is unnecessary to disengage the clutch when the vehicle speed reduces after the vehicle is in free wheeling since the clutch is completely disconnected. With the auxiliary foot pedal all of the advantages can be procured which are present with`the usual types of clutches. All of the parts of my invention travel in oil and the device will operate indefinitely and there will hence be no worn out parts to replace as in friction clutches, such as clutch linings or the like.

Changes in the specific form of my invention, as herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said membersA having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in saidrecess tw chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, and means forming a constricted-passageway between said first named chambery and said pocket for subjecting said pocket to the pressure in said first named' chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface.

, member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said first named surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to formin said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said gate having an extended surface facing away from said irregular surface, said member having the regular surface being formed with a radially opening pocket, and means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said rst named chamber and' said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface.

3. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated fromsaid first named surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward saidlirregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form-a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, and means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chambers and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming a normally closed free passageway connecting said first named chamber with said pocket, and means operable through reversal of relative movement between said members for opening said passage- Way.

4. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said first named surface to leave a recess therebetween, a. movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a iiuid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a normally closed passageway communicating with said second named chamber and said pocket, and means operable through relative reversal of movement of said members for opening said passageway.

5. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting-with and partially separated from said first named surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a'contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on lopposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said 'chambers having a iiuid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said members having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chambers and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming a normally closed passageway between said pocket and the second named chamber, and means for manually opening said passageway to bring the pocket into communication with said second named chamber.

6. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, oneof said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a Contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of `the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said rst named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface when said members have relative movement in v one direction, means forming a passageway cornmunicating with said second named chamber and said pocket and means for closing said second named passageway.

7. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surfaceand formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fiuid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said stricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface when said members have relative movement in one direction, means forming a passageway communicating with said second named chamber and said pocket and manually controlled means for opening and closing said second named passageway.

8. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having athe regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contactwith the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume `vof one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fiuid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said rst named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming an `unrestricted bypass between said first named chamber and said pocket and means for closing said bypass.

9. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted tocontact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said'gate, the

Vvolume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate' extends, means forming a con'- stricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming an unrestricted bypass between said first named chamber and said pocket and means operated through relative movement of said members for controlling the a movable gate carried by the member having theregular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain Y speeds fitting loosely against said irregular. surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface andconnecting said chambers, said member having theregular surface being formed with a pocket into which `said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface,v

means forming an unrestricted bypass adapted to be closed when the relative movement of said members produces pressure in said first named chamber, andadapted to Vbe open upon reversal of relative movement of said members.

11. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, -a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway between said first named chamber vand said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming an unrestricted passageway between said first named chamber and said pocket and a driving member fordriving one of said 4 members, said driving member having relative movement with respect thereto, and in one position closing said unobstructed passageway and in another position opening said passageway.

12. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary i member within said hollow' member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially d separated from said regular surface to leave a ,recess therebetween, a ymovable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact With the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the

volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the' volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway between -said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first named chamber to move the gate vagainst said irregular surface, means forming an unrestricted passageway between said first named chamber and said pocket,

a driving member for driving one of said members, said driving member having limited rotational movementwith respectl to said member and when in one position closing said unobstructed passageway and l.when in another position opening said passageway.

13. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member` within said hollow member, o'ne of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric -with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other` having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate,the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of vthe other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregularsurface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway.

between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway between said rst named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said rstnamed chamber to move the gate against said irregular surface, means forming a passageway between said second named lchamber and pocket, and means having axial movement relative to the member formed with the pocket, and operating in one position to close said passageway and in another position to open said passageway.

14. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregularsurface contacting with the regular surface at equally spaced intervals and spaced therefrom between localities of contact to form similar recesses, a number of pockets in said member having the regular surface, gates movable in said pockets and adapted to follow said irregular surface to vary the volume of the pockets between the gates and member having the' pockets, said pockets all being in communication with one another, said irregular surface being formed so that the combined volume of the pockets between the gates and irregular surface remains constant throughout the operation of the apparatus.

l5. Incombination, a hollow member, a rotary memberwithin said hollow member, onev of said members having a cylindrical surface concentric with the axis of rotationvof said rotary member,

and the other having an irregular surface, contacting with the cylindrical surface at equally spaced intervals about the periphery thereof, and spaced from said cylindrical surface between localities of contact to form similar recesses, a number of pockets in said member having the cylindrical surface, gates eccentrically pivoted to said member having the cylindrical surface and adapted to swing toward said irregular surface to vary the volume of said pockets, said gates being movable toward said irregular surface through centrifugal force, means acting on said gates to hold said gates away from said irregular'surface and means for bringing said pockets into communication with one of said recesses. l

16. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by' the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a' leakage passageway betweenA said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said rst named chamber to move 'the gate againstsaid irregular surface, means forming an unrestricted bypass between said iirst named chamber and said pocket, and time delayed means for closing said bypass.

17. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution.

concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface being formed with a pocket into which said gate extends, means forming a constricted passageway communicating with said first named chamber and said pocket for subjecting said gate to the pressure in said first' named chamber to move'the gate against said irregular surface, means forming anunrestricted bypass adapted to be closed-when the relative movement of said members produces pressure in said rst named chamber, and means operated upon reversal of relative movement of said members for opening said bypass, said means forming a dashpot for timing the closing thereof.

18. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, said inner member having a regular surface'of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and said outer member having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially spaced from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, a movable gate carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said gate, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement 4oi" said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said gate being movable toward said irregular snrface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said gate and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, said member having the regular surface of revolution being provided -with a pocket into which the gate is snugly received and-in which the gate is movable in the manner of a piston, a spring for urging said gate away from said irregular surface, and means forming a passageway between said pocket and one cf said chambers by means of which fluid is admitted into said pocket for the purpose of urging the gate toward said irregular surface and against the action of said spring.

19. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a cylindrical surface concentric with the axis of `rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface contacting with the cylindrical surface at equally spaced intervals about the periphery thereof, and spaced from said cylindrical surface between localities of contact to form similar recesses, a number of pockets in said member having the cylindrical surface, gates movable in said pockets and adapted to follow said irregular surface to vary the volume of the pockets between the gates and member having the pockets, said pockets all being in communication with one another, means for bringing said pockets into communicationwith said recesses, said irregular surface being formed so that the diameter of the irregular surface taken through any locality of contact is the same regardless of the relative position of said members, whereby the combined volume of said pockets remains constant.

20. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of 'said members having a'regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially spaced from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, movable piston means carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on Opposite sides of said piston means, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said piston means being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said piston means and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, means responsive to the pressure in said first named chamber for urging said piston means against said irregular surface to reduce the leakage from one chamber to the other, and means for subjecting said last named means to the pressure in one of said chambers.

21. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentricwith the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially spaced from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, movable piston means carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said piston means, the volume of one of said cliambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said piston means being movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said piston means and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, means for urging said piston means away from said irregular surface to increase leakage therebetween, and means responsive to the pressure in said flrst named chamber for urging the piston means against said surface to reduce leakage past the same.

, 22. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and the otherhaving an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially spaced from said regular surface to leave a recess therebetween, movable piston means carried by the member having the -regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said piston means, the volume of one of said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said piston means being'movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speeds fitting loosely against said irregular surface to form a leakage passageway between said piston means and irregular surface and connecting said chambers, a spring for urging said piston means away from said .irregular surface to increase leakage therebetween, and means responsive to the pressure in said first named chamber for urging the piston means against said surface to reduce leakage past the same.

23. In combination, a hollow member; arotary member within said hollow member, said inner member having a regular surfaceof revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, and said outer member having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially spaced from said regular surface to y leave a recess therebetween, movable piston means carried by the member having the regular surface and formed with a contact surface adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recess two chambers on opposite sides of said piston means, the volume of one of `said chambers decreasing and the volume of the other chamber increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, saidn chambers having a. fluid therein, said piston means being and means responsive to the pressure in said rst named chamber for urging said piston means against said irregular surface in opposition to said spring.

24. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentric with the axis of rotation of said rotary member and the other having an irregular surface partially contacting with and partially separated from the regular surface at a predetermined number of localities about the circumference of the surface, of revolution to leave a plurality of recesses therebetwn, a number of piston devices carried by the member having the regular surface, there being a different number ofdevices than of recesses, said devices being formed with contact surfaces adapted to contact with the irregular surface to form in said recesses -chambers on opposite sides of said devices, the

volume of said chambers on one side of said devices decreasing and the volume of the other chambers increasing upon relative movement of said members in one direction, said chambers having a fluid therein, said devicesbeing movable toward said irregular surface and at certain speedsntung 1oose1y against said irregular surface to form leakage passageways between said devices and the irregular surface and connecting said chambers, and means responsive to the pressure in said rst named chamber for urging v said devices against the irregular surface to re' duce the leakage from one set of chambers to the other.

25. In combination, a hollow member, a rotary member within said hollow member, one of said members having a regular surface of revolution concentricv with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, the other having an irregular surface partly contacting with vand partly spaced from said regularsurface to leave a recess therebetween, movable means carried by the member having the regular surface and forming in said recess a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, said chambers having a uid therein, said movable means being subjected to thepressure in said high pressure chamber and 'controllinggthe ow of uid from said high pressure chamber to the low pressure chamber in re-y sponse to the pressure in the high pressure chamber.

STERLING O. STAGEBERG. 

